Nerdist » greg capullohttp://nerdist.com
Sun, 02 Aug 2015 22:30:27 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3Exclusive: DC Comics’ BATMAN #42 Preview Shows Off a Killer New Batmobilehttp://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-42-preview-shows-off-a-killer-new-batmobile/
http://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-42-preview-shows-off-a-killer-new-batmobile/#commentsMon, 06 Jul 2015 23:30:44 +0000http://nerdist.com/?p=274514In the wake of Convergence, there’s a new Batman in town and his name is Jim Gordon. Of course, this new Batman looks more like one of the mechs from Tiger & Bunny than the Dark Knight we know and love, but sometimes change is a good thing. One thing never changes though, and that is the pure and simple fact that the Batman needs a Batmobile. Well, in our exclusive preview of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman #42, we see Jim Gordon’s sweet new whip, which seems to take a page out of Imperator Furiosa’s playbook. By which I mean, it’s more of a War Rig than a straightforward Batmobile. Either way, though, it looks decidedly badass. Of course, that excitement is bound to be shortlived, particularly in light of the grim discovery that Gordon made in the morgue last issue…

DC Comics’ Batman #42 is available on Wednesday, July 8.

Here’s the official description:

“More surprises around every corner as the all-new Batman hits the streets of Gotham City!”

—

What do you think of the new Batmobile? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

]]>http://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-42-preview-shows-off-a-killer-new-batmobile/feed/0Review: BATMAN #41http://nerdist.com/review-batman-41/
http://nerdist.com/review-batman-41/#commentsThu, 11 Jun 2015 00:30:15 +0000http://nerdist.com/?p=264175In just four short years, writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo have vaulted themselves to the top of the list of Batman creative teams, just under the legendary duo of Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams. Between the ‘Court of Owls’, ‘Death of the Family’, ‘Zero Year’, and ‘Endgame’, their run on Batman has been the best run in decades, and definitely the crown jewel in the New 52 line-up.

While DC was fumbling around trying to figure out what their new universe meant and who their characters even were in these new incarnations, Snyder and Capullo were showing everyone else how it’s done. Batman #41 begins a new chapter not just for this creative team but for the character of Batman, as someone other than Bruce Wayne takes the mantle of the Bat.

As much as I have faith in this creative team, even I was wondering if they could pull off a Batman without Bruce Wayne. After all, that’s been tried before, twice — first when Azrael took over for Batman in the ’90’s, and then just prior to the New 52, when Dick Grayson became Batman. The Grayson Batman worked, because we felt that after all these years, he’d earned his time in the cowl. Azrael was a brand new character when he was Batman, and therefore the whole thing felt like what it was-a giant gimmick, and didn’t really work.

Snyder learned from the mistakes of the past, and put someone in the suit who we already know and love, and more to the point, has also earned his ears, so to speak; none other than Commissioner Jim Gordon.

Gordon has been one of the most consistently written characters in Snyder’s run, and was a huge part of ‘Zero Year’, where we saw exactly how that legendary partnership was formed, and just how integral he was to Batman becoming the Batman we know.

The character of Gordon has gone through a bit of a rennasaince in the past decade, thanks mostly to Gary Oldman’s portryal of the character in Christopher Nolan’s films. The version I grew up with was a white-haired old man who was at least seventy, but Nolan’s movies made Gordon middle-aged instead of ready for the retirement home, and the New 52 quickly followed suit. There’s even a line in this issue where Harvey Bullock questions Gordon being Batman by saying to him “you’re at least 60,” to which Gordon replies “46”. It establishes once and for all that this Jim Gordon is not that old, and certainly young enough to still kick some ass.

The issue opens some months after ‘Endgame’ and the Joker’s last rampage against Gotham. Both Batman and the Joker are presumed dead at the end of that last battle, although the last issue of ‘Endgame’ made it clear that Bruce had indeed survived (in case there was any doubt). But no one has seen or heard from him, and as everyone knows, Gotham NEEDS a Batman. So the Powers Corporation (a nice nod to the Batman Beyond series) has taken it upon itself to create a new Batman, someone who’s not exactly a cop but can work with the police, a symbol for the city.

There are a lot of nods to ’80s classic Robocop here, in fact this whole issue feels like Robocop meets Batman, although luckily Gordon doesn’t need to be blown to bits to get in the suit.

Although the story begins with the new robo-suited Batman in the middle of stopping a crime in Gotham’s Little Cuba district, it also flashes back to when Gordon was approached to take the mantle, and all the decisions that went into creating a whole new Batman from the ground up. Needless to say, Gordon didn’t just jump a the chance to become a superhero…it took quite a bit of convincing, and lot of this issue deals with just how he was eventually convinced to do it. If Gordon were eager to become a new Batman, a lot of the drama would be drained from this story. Having a reluctant Batman makes for something a bit different than what we’re all used to.

Snyder’s Gotham City has always been the real character during his Batman run as much as Bruce, if not more so, so in a way, it feels as if nothing has changed. Capullo’s art is just as spectacular as ever, and even though I’m not crazy about the new robo suit (in the story, Gordon even pointed out what I’ve thought since I first saw the new costume — those are rabbit ears not bat ears!) neither is Jim Gordon. We get a more traditional, yet updated Batman costume for him to wear under all that bulk, and it’s a pretty sweet costume, fresh but still looking like Batman. Needless to say, Capullo knows how to draw action, and the scenes with Batman fighting a new, electrically powered villain are dynamic and fun, and exactly what you’d want from a Batman book.

Of course, we all know Bruce will eventually be back as Batman, and if I were a betting man, I’d say probably even by issue #50. The end of this issue makes it clear once again that Bruce is still alive, but just why he’s been OK giving up being Batman remains a mystery. (I hope it’s not amnesia. I trust you Snyder…don’t have it be amnesia).

In the meantime, I’m on board for any version of Batman that Snyder and Capullo have to offer me, and Batman #41 is a great jumping on point for anyone looking to get into what I hope will continue to be a long and continuing run on this title from one of the best creative teams it’s ever had.

RATING: 4 OUT OF 5 BURRITOS

]]>http://nerdist.com/review-batman-41/feed/0Comics Relief: Bryan Hitch’s New JUSTICE LEAGUE, ALL-NEW MARVEL & Morehttp://nerdist.com/comics-relief-bryan-hitchs-new-justice-league-all-new-marvel-more/
http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-bryan-hitchs-new-justice-league-all-new-marvel-more/#commentsSun, 24 May 2015 01:00:10 +0000http://nerdist.com/?p=257285Welcome to the weekend edition of Comics Relief, where in today’s installment we’ve got news on Bryan Hitch’s epic new take on the classic version of the Justice League of America, plus Thanos’ creator returns to draw his baby, and a special effects legend pays homage to the Joker. First off though, we’ve got the latest tease on what to expect from the Marvel universe once Secret Wars wraps up…

After Secret Wars Ends, Prepare For “All-New Marvel”

We know that after Secret Warsends, the Marvel Universe will jump forward eight months in time, giving us an all-new status quo. Just what that stats quo is remains a mystery for now, although there are heavy hints from the publisher that many refugees from the Ultimate Universe and other realities will be inhabiting the mainstream Marvel Universe. This week Marvel announced the company branding for their new initiative, so say goodbye to “Marvel NOW!” and hello to “All-New, All-Different Marvel”. More details are expected soon, but in the meantime, all we have is this image. Oh, and expect a lot of new #1 issues.

One of the most iconic images to come out of Scott Snyder’s and Greg Capullo’s recent run on Batman was the twisted Joker “mask” made of his own face that he cut off, and then re-attached, in the Death of the Family story arc. Now one of the biggest names is movie make-up, arguably the biggest name, Rick Baker, known for his work on An American Werewolf in London, Men In Black, and even the original Star Wars (his IMDB credits are as big as it gets) has gone ahead and done his own homage to Greg Capullo’s work. You can see on example of Baker’s Capullo-esque Joker below, and to see more, click on the following link: [Comic Book Resources]

YouTube Comedy Team SMOSH Teams Up With Dynamite Entertainment

The YouTube based comedy team known as SMOSH have announced that they are coming together with publisher Dynamite Entertainment for a new line of comics. SMOSH is the name of duo Anthony Padilla and Ian Andrew Hecox, and their YouTube channel network is said to have over 30 million subscribers.

Although no titles have been announced yet, Padilla and Hecox will be involved in every aspect of their creation, which will include working on new as well as already existing character. Although no official release date is set for their first comic, the first title from the partnership is expected to be come out sometime this winter. [The Hollywood Reporter]

If you’ve been reading Marvel’s Secret Wars at all, you know that Thanos is poised to be a major player in that story, not to mention the role he’ll play in the MCU in the years ahead. Now as a variant cover for issue #4 of Secret Wars, Thanos’ creator Jim Starlin returns to illustrate the character he originally brought to life some forty years ago. Secret Wars #4 is brought to you be the creative team of Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic, with the main cover being illustrated by Alex Ross. Below is the variant cover, with Thanos as drawn by his creator, along with other members of his cabal, including Namor and Terrax. [Newsarama]

Is DC Going To Start Sharing Story Pages With Ads Again?

Think your average comic book has way too many ads? Well, if you do, then you’re probably not going to love this news. It looks like DC is going to be publishing ads on the same pages as artwork, a practice that was done a long time ago, although it was mostly done away with by the eighties. According to Bleeding Cool, their sources are telling them that DC Comics are planning to run half-page double spread ads in their print comics soon. As a result, creators have been told to draft their story breaking in mind that one page will be split into two for the print comic – but also that it will be recombined for the collected edition. If this turns out to be correct, how long before Marvel and others follow suit? [Bleeding Cool]

Nominees Announced For First Ever Dwayne McDuffie Kid’s Comics Awards

The shortlist has been announced for the inaugural Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics, named in honor of the late great comics creator who helped create Milestone Comics and worked on the now-classic Justice League Unlimited animated series. The 10 finalists for the kids’ comics award were selected by three judges: Kids Read Comics co-founders Edith Donnell and Dan Merritt, and ROBOT 6 contributor Brigid Alverson, who edits the School Library Journal’s Good Comics for Kids blog.

The winner of the inaugural award will be announced at the Kids Read Comics festival, held June 20-21 at the Ann Arbor District Library in Michigan. Among the finalists in the competition are such books as Bird and Squirrel on Ice by James Burks, Costume Quest: Invasion of the Candy Snatchers by Zac Gorman, and The Magical Monsters of Turkey Hollow by Jim Henson and Jerry Juhl, adapted and illustrated by Roger Langridge. For the full line-up of nominees, click on the following link: [Comic Book Resources]

Bryan Hitch, who made his name several years back drawing The Authority for Wildstorm, and then helped Mark Millar usher in The Ultimates, which was a huge influence on Marvel’s Avengers film, is now coming back to DC in June, and helping them launch their all-new Justice League of America series, featuring the big seven heroes in big widescreen action. The first issue will feature a total of seven different covers featuring the individual members of the League, which together form one big interlocking image from Hitch. Let’s hope that Hitch’s JLA is as much an influence on Zack Snyder’s Justice League movie as Ultimates was on The Avengers. Check out all seven covers in the gallery below: [USA Today]

]]>http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-bryan-hitchs-new-justice-league-all-new-marvel-more/feed/0Rick Baker Brings The Joker To Terrifying Lifehttp://nerdist.com/rick-baker-brings-the-joker-to-terrifying-life/
http://nerdist.com/rick-baker-brings-the-joker-to-terrifying-life/#commentsWed, 20 May 2015 02:30:43 +0000http://nerdist.com/?p=255776Batman’s Clown Prince of Crime finally has a face that can inspire nightmares.

Hollywood special effects and make-up icon, Rick Baker has posted his take on The New 52 incarnation of The Joker, as conceived by writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo during their run on the monthly Batman series. According to Baker, his Joker model was created in Photoshop.

At the beginning of DC’s New 52 reboot, The Joker cut off his own face and he disappeared for a year before returning in the “Death of the Family” storyline by Snyder and Capullo. Using his previously discarded face as a mask, The Joker ditched his traditional colorful costume in favor of repair shop overalls marked “Joe.”

Baker was the first Oscar-winning make-up effects artist for An American Werewolf in London, and he has contributed his skills to numerous films including The Exorcist, the original Star Wars, The Howling, Harry and the Hendersons, the Men in Black trilogy, Hellboy, Maleficent, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video.

Capullo quickly noticed Baker’s take on his Joker and he wrote “Nice, Rick. Glad you dug my work enough to take a crack at it!” Capullo later jokingly added that “I think you might have a thing for horror.”

Snyder and Capullo recently brought The Joker back into the Batman series during the “Endgame” storyline, which apparently restored The Joker’s face before writing him and Bruce Wayne out of the title… for now.

Is this a Joker that you would want to see in a live action film? Scare up a response in the comment section below!

]]>http://nerdist.com/rick-baker-brings-the-joker-to-terrifying-life/feed/0Comics Relief: RIP Classic HULK Artist Herbe Trimpe, TV’s REVOLUTION & THE BLACKLIST Come to Comics, Plus – Learn Who DC’s New BATMAN Ishttp://nerdist.com/comics-relief-rip-classic-hulk-artist-herbe-trimpe-tvs-revolution-the-blacklist-come-to-comics-plus-learn-who-dcs-new-batman-is/
http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-rip-classic-hulk-artist-herbe-trimpe-tvs-revolution-the-blacklist-come-to-comics-plus-learn-who-dcs-new-batman-is/#commentsThu, 16 Apr 2015 01:30:12 +0000http://nerdist.com/?p=242890In today’s edition of Comics Relief, we learn the identity of the man behind the cowl in the new post-ConvergenceDC Universe, news on some beloved television series making their way to the comics page, and BitTorrent being used to download comics, legally for a change. But first, some sad news about a Marvel Comics great that we lost this week:

Classic Marvel Artist Herbe Trimpe Dies at 75

We start out this Comics Relief on a sad note, with news that legendary comic book artist Herbert “Herbe” Trimpe passed away this week at the age of 75. For many of you younger comics readers out there, the name Herbe Trimpe might not be a familiar one, but if you grew up reading comic books in the 70s and 80s, then there is almost no chance you didn’t come across his artwork.

There wasn’t a major Marvel character he didn’t illustrate, it seems, having done issues of Amazing Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, Thor, and many others. Most famously however, he drew the first ever appearance of Wolverine in Incredible Hulk #181 back in 1974. But it was the Hulk himself who Trimpe is most associated with, having drawn the Jade Giant for an almost unbroken seven year run. On Twitter, writer Brian Michael Bendis reminded fans of just how important Trimpe was with the tweet below; as Stan Lee would say, ’nuff said.

Photo: Herb Trimpe made the cover of Rolling Stone when it was just about the coolest thing you could do… http://t.co/GFlnPANUKX

Ok folks, there be MAJOR SPOILERS in these waters, so if you’re the sensitive type to that sort of thing, skip ahead to the next news item.

Ok, still here? Alrighty then, here we go: It looks like we now know who is going to be taking the mantle of Batman in the DCU post-Convergence, wearing the Chappie-esque, Appleseed-looking armor, and it’s none other than Commissioner James Gordon. Considering that Batman has been replaced by Nightwing and Azrael in the past, this is a story development that actually makes a ton of sense, especially given how much younger Gordon is in the new 52 continuity.

The details of how and why Gordon is the man behind the bat are not yet known, but we are meant to catch our first glimpse of Bat-Gordon in action in May’s Free Comic Book Day offering from DC, with more sure to be revealed in June in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman #41. As for what happens to Bruce, that is still a mystery… for now. [Bleeding Cool]

New DC Mini-Series Will Give Readers the Backstory on the Arkham Knight Game’s New Villain

While we’re on the subject of the Dark Knight, The Arkham Knight is the villain in the upcoming Batman video game of the same name, but so far, all we know about him is that he has a similar, more military variation on Batman’s costume, and not much else. If you want to know more about the character though, it looks like you’ll need to turn to the comics and not the game, as the origin story of the game’s titular villain will be revealed in an all-new new mini-series.

DC has announced that after the June 3 debut of the Batman: Arkham Knight video game, they will publish a new six-issue series revealing the backstory of the game’s main bad guy titled Batman: Arkham Knight – Genesis, which will debut July 29 and be written by Peter J. Tomasi and drawn by Alisson Borges. Tomasi also happens to be the writer of the current Batman: Arkham Knight limited series, as well as the mainstream DC Universe title Batman & Robin. [IGN]

Dynamite Entertainment Uses BitTorrent for Their Latest Comics Bundle

BitTorrent used to just be the way to steal stuff offline, but they’ve gone mainstream lately, offering up content from music artists and others in an actual legit, legal way. Now Dynamite Comics is using BitTorrent service to offer up a huge bundle of their comics for a great low starting price. (For those not in the know, bundles are huge collections of comics in digital form for a low, usually “pay what you want” price.) While other comic book companies like Dark Horse have been using the bundling to sell comics digitally for awhile, this is the first time a major comics company has used BitTorrent. This is a mega-bundle of 200 comics, with a minimum payment of $6. This bundle runs through Friday, April 17, 2015. That’s only two days left, so better not lag on this deal comics fans. [ComicsBeat]

NBC’s Revolution to Wrap Up Its Storylines in New DC Comics Digital Series

The NBC post-Apocalyptic series Revolution ended it’s network run after two seasons last May, with many questions left dangling in the air. Now in response to passionate fan efforts to revive the show, the entire creative team behind the series — including executive producers Eric Kripke, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Rockne S. O’Bannon and Jon Favreau — regrouped to create a special four-chapter digital comic book with DC Comics that will serve to continue and ultimately resolve the adventures last seen in Revolution’s second season finale.

Series writers David Reed and Ryan Parrott are handling the writing duties of the digital comic’s four chapters, after breaking the story in the writers’ room along with the rest of the Revolution creative team, which included Kripke, O’Bannon, Paul Grellong, David Rambo, Trey Callaway, Anne Cofell Saunders, Ben Edlund, Matt Pitts and Jim Barnes. Illustrated by artist Angel Hernandez, each of the four separate digital chapters will also have a specially designed cover, and will roll out every two weeks beginning Monday, May 4. The four chapters will each be debuting exclusively on ComicBook.com for one week before being made available for viewing on Revolution’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Revolution.

The Blacklist Coming To Comics This July From Titan

Revolution isn’t the only television series from NBC coming to comics this year, as an adaptation of the successful series The Blacklist is coming to comics, courtesy of British publisher Titan Comics. The comic series will be written by Nichole Phillips and drawn by Beni Lobel (Constantine) and developed in conjunction with the creators of The Blacklist TV series. The first arc (Issues 1-5) will feature stories which expand upon the events of the show, and feature all the major characters, including the formidable Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington, played by James Spader. The first issue hits stores on July 22nd, and issue #1 comes with two covers-an original painted cover of Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington from artist, Alice X Zhang (Doctor Who) and a photo cover with an iconic image of Red. The Blacklist comic will also be available digitally.

Mike Marts Departs Marvel for New Publisher Aftershock

Editor Mike Marts, who has been the editor on Marvel titles like Uncanny X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy for about a year now (after a stint on DC’s Batman books) has left the publisher to join up with comics industry veteran and former Marvel writer Joe Pruett to start AfterShock comics.

Marts will be the Editor-In-Chief of the new company, where the company’s press release expresses plans to “explore building a shared universe of characters and stories” over time. Many publishers have tried to shared comics universe in the vein of Marvel/DC, with almost all of them failing (I still remember the Ultraverse, Dark Horse’s “Comics Greatest World” and many, many others. Only Valiant really made it.) Hopefully Aftershock will fare better than so many other upstart comic book companies that tried their hand at the shared universe thing, only to vanish some months later. [Deadline]

___

Got a particular comics-related news item that’s got you excited this week? As always, let us know in the comments below!

]]>http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-rip-classic-hulk-artist-herbe-trimpe-tvs-revolution-the-blacklist-come-to-comics-plus-learn-who-dcs-new-batman-is/feed/0Comics Relief: SUPERMAN Gets a New Power and a New Look, Brian Michael Bendis Departs X-MEN, & a Sneak Peek of Mark Millar’s CHRONONAUTShttp://nerdist.com/comics-relief-superman-gets-a-new-power-and-a-new-look-brian-michael-bendis-departs-x-men-a-sneak-peek-of-mark-millars-chrononauts/
http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-superman-gets-a-new-power-and-a-new-look-brian-michael-bendis-departs-x-men-a-sneak-peek-of-mark-millars-chrononauts/#commentsThu, 05 Feb 2015 02:30:40 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=224174In this week’s edition of Comics Relief, we’ve got details on Brian Michael Bendis’ departure from the world of the X-Men, the return of a long-dead character in DC’s Convergence event, and news on how you can finally get the entire run of Spawn digitally. But first, news on a much needed costume make0ver for the Last Son of Krypton, who is also receiving an all-new power upgrade this week.

Superman Gets New Power, And An Updated Costume

In this week’s Superman #38 by Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr., the Man of Steel is set to receive an all new power: a massive energy blast that acts as an extension of his heat vision. The catch: when Supes used this power, it totally depletes him, making him an ordinary human for a full 24 hours until he solar charges once again. This new vulnerability helps writer Geoff Johns rejuvenate Superman’s world a little bit.”It’s something that is going to be very unstable and something that Superman’s going to have to deal with for quite a while.”

Much more necessary than a new power, though, is a new costume, which he’s also getting in this issue. The Jim Lee-designed “armor” for Superman has been his look since the New 52 launched, and although many celebrated the removal of the red undies, the rest of the costume was bulky and overdesigned. I mean, who needs armor less than Superman? The newer version looks much more streamlined with far less piping and stitching all over the place. The classic cut of the boots are back as well, and the v-neck collar is gone. Having said that, what is with those fingerless gloves?? [USA Today]

Todd McFarlane’s Spawn Finally Comes To Digital

Todd McFarlane and Image Comics’ Spawn is one of the longest-running independent comic on the market, coming out continually since it premiered in 1992. Now the entire 250 issue run of Spawn is going to finally be available digitally on a variety of platforms, including comiXology.com, iBooks, Google Play, and ImageComics.com. With issue #250 hitting soon, this is the perfect opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in over 23 years of history.“For fans waiting to jump back into Spawn, this is the perfect time,” said McFarlane. “Issue #250 marks the long anticipated return of the original Spawn, Al Simmons.” ComiXology will offer exclusive bundling, for a limited time. From February 4-9, customers can choose from the following bundles:

Included with each bundle purchase is exclusive content from issue #250 featuring behind-the-scenes material that is not available anywhere else in digital or print format. [imagecomics.com]

The Master of Kung Fu Returns To Marvel

Before he was a member of the Avengers, Shang-Chi was the Master of Kung Fu, in a popular series which ran from 1974 to 1981, far outliving the Bruce Lee/martial arts craze that spawned the book in the early seventies. Now, thanks to the events of the upcoming Secret Wars series, Shang-Chi is getting a title of his own once more. Marvel will be releasing a Master of Kung Fu mini-series written by Haden Blackman and illustrated by Dalibor Talajić, focusing on Shang-Chi in the mystical land of K’un Lun, whose remains form a part of Battleworld. This time, Shang-Chi’s world will feature different versions of Marvel characters like the X-Men and others, all given a martial-arts style makeover. [Comic Vine]

Michael Golden Draws The Walking Dead For Wizard World

Artist Michael Golden isn’t a name you hear too often these days, which is a shame, as he was truly one of the great artists of the eighties and nineties. His work was all over books like the Uncanny X-Men, where he was the co-creator of Rogue. Wizard just announced that the latest The Walking Dead #1 variant cover for the very first Wizard World Indianapolis will be drawn by Golden. The cover will be given to all full-price attendees of the con, while the VIP ticket holders will received a black & white version. [Bleeding Cool]

Check Out A Preview of Mark Millar and Sean Gordon Murphy’s Chrononauts

Although announced a while back, it has been some time since we’ve heard anything about the upcoming “buddy cop/time travel” series Chrononauts, from the creative team of Mark Millar (Kick Ass) and Sean Gordon Murphy (The Wake) which is set to come out on March 18th from Image Comics. In this new series, mankind begins to explore time the way we know to explore space, but with disastrous results. Image has provided a new preview of the art in advance of the book’s March debut, and if you weren’t excited before, you will be now. You can check out the preview art at this link: [Previews World]

Former Atom Ryan Choi Returns In DC’s Convergence

One of the more controversial choices DC has made in recent years was the killing off of Ryan Choi, the successor to the mantle and powers of the Atom, back in 2011. One of the few high profile Asian American heroes, his death was seen as a step back for diversity in comics. When the New 52 launched later that year, many expected to Choi to be the Atom for the new continuity, as the New 52 placed a higher profile on representing diversity, but it wasn’t to be.

However, Ryan Choi (and original Atom, Ray Palmer) are set to come back in the pre-Flashpoint universe as part of Convergence with the two part Atom series by Tom Peyer and artist Steve Yeowell. According to Peyer, “I was given only one outright request, (bring back Ryan Choi) which I was happy to comply with because it’s something I’d have wanted to do anyway.” Hopefully DC will find a regular place in the DCU post-Convergence era for Ryan Choi when all is said and done. The first of two issues of Convergence: The Atom hit in April. [Newsarama]

Marvel has announced today that Uncanny X-Men series will see its issue numbering jump to #600 in May to reflect the series’ longevity before the two most recent relaunches, and they also announced that Uncanny #600 will also be Brian Michael Bendis’ last on the X-books as well, after nearly three years (he will be finishing his run on All-New X-Men as well). “Over the course of the last few years, I will have written almost 90 issues of X-Men. That’s a good run!”

During his run on the title, Bendis had the Beast bring the original five X-Men from the past into the present, causing all kinds of chaos for both Wolverine and Cyclops’ teams. Whether or not that issue is resolved before he leaves the book (or before Secret Wars begins) is still a question mark. Chris Bachalo will be the main artist for issue #600, along with Stuart Immonen, Kris Anka, Mahmud Asrar and other artists to be revealed. Bendis also says that he’s “put in some requests” to bring in unnamed X-Men creators of the past in for the oversized issue (maybe trying for a Chris Claremont/John Byrne reunion? I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one Bendis. But stranger things have happened.) The oversized Uncanny X-Men #600 arrives in May. [Comic Book Resources]

Restored Version of Very First Batman Appearance Set To Grab Big Bucks At Auction

A restored copy of Detective Comics #27 from 1939, which of course is the very first appearance of Batman, is expected to bring in more than $100,000 in a Feb. 20 sale held by Heritage Auctions. This would be only the second restored copy of that issue reach that milestone, although several restored copies of Action Comics#1 have broken $100,000. A CGC-graded 4.5 copy of Batman #1 is expected to fetch more than $65,000 in the very same auction. [Antique Trader via Comic Book Resources]

_____

Excited about Superman’s new powers and costume, or any of the news items this week? Let us know how you feel in the comments below!

]]>http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-superman-gets-a-new-power-and-a-new-look-brian-michael-bendis-departs-x-men-a-sneak-peek-of-mark-millars-chrononauts/feed/5Exclusive: DC Comics’ BATMAN #38 Previewhttp://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-38-preview/
http://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-38-preview/#commentsMon, 26 Jan 2015 18:30:25 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=221656Saying that something is a “race against the clock” for Batman in order to save Gotham City and the world as we know it sounds cliche, but it’s sadly a fact of life for the denizens of what is arguably the most dangerous city in both the DC Comics Universe and comics at large. Things are no different in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman #38, which takes us into part four of the Joker’s surprising and increasingly deadly return in “Endgame.”Before you pick up the thrilling issue on Wednesday, take a look at our exclusive preview that finds Batman hot on the trail of an ailing Jim Gordon. When he finds the Commissioner, however, he gets more than he bargained for…

Here’s the official synopsis: “‘Endgame’ part 4. The Joker is back! This time, no more funny stuff. And in the backup story, five Arkham Asylum escapees share their encounters with The Joker!”

Click to expand the thumbnails below.

—

Batman #38 is available on Wednesday, January 28.

]]>http://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-38-preview/feed/4Comics Relief: SPAWN Hits 250 Issues, Huge IMAGE EXPO Announcements, & Dark Horse Brings Us The History of WARCRAFThttp://nerdist.com/comics-relief-spawn-hits-250-issues-huge-image-expo-announcements-dark-horse-brings-us-the-history-of-warcraft/
http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-spawn-hits-250-issues-huge-image-expo-announcements-dark-horse-brings-us-the-history-of-warcraft/#commentsSat, 10 Jan 2015 02:45:11 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=215971Welcome to the weekend edition of Comics Relief! The holidays are barely over, and already the major publishers are actively promoting their content for the remainder of 2015, none more so than Image Comics, who held their Image Expo in San Francisco this week. Image made a ton of announcements about future titles, enough to make any fan out there jazzed at the prospects for great comic books this year. So let’s get right to the big news, shall we?

Image Comics Announces Their 2015 Slate At The Image Expo

The last few years have incredible for Image Comics. Books like Saga, Sex Criminals, and Wytches have really stood out from the pack and made an impact, not to mention the continued huge success of The Walking Dead. At this week’s Image Expo in San Francisco, the publisher brought out all their big guns and announced several new titles for 2015. Here are just some of the highlights:

AD: After Death, from writer Scott Snyder (Wytches, Batman) and artist Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), in November 2015. The book will be set in a near future where death has been cured and one man must come to grips with what comes next.

Black Road is writer Brian Wood’s first new Viking series since his book Northlanders, featuring art from past collaborator Garry Brown (The Massive). Set in Viking Age Norway, the book follows Magnus The Black, a fixer for the Christian Church, who loses a Roman official to bandits on the infamous Black Road.

I Hate Fairyland is from artist Skottie Young (known best for his Oz books and all those cute Marvel Babies variant covers) and Jean-Francois Beaulieu. The book centers on Gertrude, “a snarky, slightly deranged 40-year-old with a battle axe who happens to be trapped in a Shirley Temple-esque body and confined to the technicolor funworld that is Fairyland.”

Monstress will be an all-new ongoing series from Marjorie Liu (X-Men, Tiger Eye) and Sana Takeda (Ms. Marvel) set in an alternate 1900s Asia “where immense Leviathans roam the Earth, wielding unimaginable powers that many have long desired to exploit.”

Paper Girls, from New York Times bestselling and multiple Eisner Award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (Saga, Runaways) reunites with artist Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman) for this all-new ongoing series, which is the story of four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls who experience something extraordinary one day, right after Halloween night.

Revengeance will be artist Darwyn Cooke’s (Parker, DC: The New Frontier) first fully creator-owned project, which is described as “a psychological thriller with darkly humorous overtones.” When Joe Malarky is faced with a criminal tragedy, he sets out to make things right on his own. What follows is Joe’s odyssey through the underside of the city and the madness that seems to drive his crazy world.

Heaven is the hugely ambitious new space opera series from writer James Robinson (Earth-2) and artist Phillip Tan (Spawn, Uncanny X-Men). Heaven is set in a distant future “where the forces or man and alien combined have used religion to conquer this universe and are now ready, about to invade the next one — Heaven itself. The “Good War” between man and angel will span galaxies and dimensions, building to a final conflict that threatens to negate all of reality itself.” How’s that for ambitious high concept?

Included below are the promotional images for A.D. After Death, Monstress, No Mercy, Phonogram, Plutona, Revengeance, Heaven, I Hate Fairyland, and Starve.

IDW Set To Bring Back Jack Kirby’s Kamandi Series As An Oversized Artist’s Edition

When Jack Kirby left Marvel in 1970, he famously created the Fourth World series, featuring the New Gods, Mr. Miracle, and more. But he also created other concepts for DC, like the Demon, and Kamandi, the Last Boy On Earth. Set in an apocalyptic future, where sentient animals rule and superheroes are thing of the past, Kamandi only ran a few issues, but had a fervent cult following.

Now IDW is adding Kamandi to their collection of oversized Artist’s Edition volumes. According to IDW, this Artist’s Edition features some of the most influential complete issues from the series, including issues 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 9, along with additional covers and other bonus material. At 160 pages and measuring 12” by 17,” this Artist’s Edition will become available this May. [Bleeding Cool]

Dark Horse Set To Chronicle The History of The World of Warcraft

Dark Horse is set to publish a series of high-end books chronicling the history of the universe of Blizzard Entertainment’s Word of Warcraft. This is going to be a series of heavy duty coffee table-style books, with the official title of World of Warcraft: Chronicle. Volume 1 will showcase over twenty full-page illustrations by World of Warcraft artist Peter Lee and marks the first in a multi-part series which is set to explore the Warcraft universe; from the long distant past to more modern times. The book doesn’t come out until November, so you have plenty of time to start saving your pennies, all you Warcraft fans out there. [Comic Book Resources]

Did _____ REALLY Come Back From The Dead In Amazing Spider-Man #12? SPOILER Warning On Maximum.

So, did you check out The Amazing Spider-Man #12 this week? If not, you might have missed a doozy of spoiler, as the last page features the return of none other than Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben. Of course, this already confirmed to be the Uncle Ben from another universe, tied into the whole Spider-Verse thing, and not the “real” Uncle Ben. Will this version of Ben Parker stick around? My instinct is to say he’ll die tragically too, but then again I never thought Bucky would come back to life, or that there would be a superpowered version of Gwen Stacy running around, so stranger things have happened in the Marvel Universe recently. [Newsarama]

Former Dark Horse Star Wars Books Show Up On Marvel’s ComiXology App

Remember when in a recent column I said that Dark Horse’s Star Wars titles, which they were selling via bundle for a very reasonable price right before the new year, would be the last time many of these would be available once Marvel got the Star Wars license on January 1st? Well, I spoke too soon. The best of the old Dark Horse Star Wars books have now appeared on Marvel’s ComiXology app, under the “Legends” banner, but are going to cost you a wee bit more than they did when they were practically being given away by Dark Horse right before the change over. It is nice to know they are being preserved somewhere, and Marvel aren’t being so Disney that they are pulling a Song of the South on them and making it like they never happened by putting them in a vault forever. [ComiXology, via IGN]

DC Comics is continuing their free comic program, which promotes what they are calling their “DC Essentials” titles. Previously they released the first issue of Batman: Hush by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. Now they are going with a different critically acclaimed and beloved Batman title with The Joker #1 by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo. This portrayal of the Joker is what may have cited was the main influence behind Heath Ledger’s portrayal in The Dark Knight. You can get your free copy here.

We began today’s column with Image Comics news, and so we’ll end it with some pretty big news about one of the original Image titles, Spawn. At Image Expo, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane revealed that Spawn #25o will “reset the machinery,” in a special anniversary issue that will have a cover by Greg Capullo, who drew over 80 single issues over 7 years. #250 will also see the return of Al Simmons in the Spawn suit, with Simmons in full control of the demon for the first time.

There will also be a special one-shot relaunch in February’s Spawn Resurrection #1 with Brian Wood writing and Jonboy Meyers drawing. Despite the new #1 issue, this isn’t a relaunch, as the storyline will continue in Spawn #251. In fact, McFarlane plans to never re-number Spawn, saying “I spent 20 years to get to that number, and to just throw it away, I can’t do it. If Marvel and DC want to renumber all their books and make me the highest-numbered book in the country, dude, I don’t see that as a detriment. I see it as a badge of honor.”

Which of these new comics has you anticipating it the most? Sound off in the comments below!

]]>http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-spawn-hits-250-issues-huge-image-expo-announcements-dark-horse-brings-us-the-history-of-warcraft/feed/0Exclusive: DC Comics BATMAN #37 Preview Offers Contagion and Chaoshttp://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-37-preview-offers-contagion-and-chaos/
http://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-37-preview-offers-contagion-and-chaos/#commentsSun, 14 Dec 2014 17:00:19 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=209889If Geoff Johns’ and Jason Fabok’s contagion-filled Justice League arc “The Amazo Virus” gave you the willies, then buckle up because Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s “Endgame” arc is no laughing matter. Things take a turn for the deadly in the pages of Batman #37 as Bruce Wayne manages to break free from the poison-induced paralysis in which he found himself trapped. However, when he regains his faculties, the city has gone to hell in a handbasket thanks to a virulent, antibody-resistant strain of the Joker Toxin engineered by the Clown Prince of Crime himself. Now, it’s a race against the clock as Batman must find Patient Zero and reverse engineer a cure before the government quarantines Gotham City, dooming it to die laughing at the hands of a madman.

Before you pick up Batman #37 this Wednesday, December 17, take a sneak peek at our exclusive preview of “Endgame” Part 3, including some jaw-dropping variant covers by Andy Kubert and Darwyn Cooke.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“The ultra top-secret Batman arc known only as “Endgame,” continues – it’s a story arc so steeped in mystery, all we can tell you is the title!”

Pretty helpful, huh? Honestly though, Snyder and Capullo have proven themselves to be DC’s Dynamic Duo, so just trust that you’ll be in for an appropriately climactic arc. Anyway, here’s the preview, which gives you a much better idea of what’s coming your way.

Click to expand the thumbnails below.

—

Batman #37 is available on Wednesday, December 17.

]]>http://nerdist.com/exclusive-dc-comics-batman-37-preview-offers-contagion-and-chaos/feed/4Rumor: Is DARK KNIGHT 3 Coming From Frank Miller & Scott Snyder?http://nerdist.com/rumor-is-dark-knight-3-coming-from-frank-miller-scott-snyder/
http://nerdist.com/rumor-is-dark-knight-3-coming-from-frank-miller-scott-snyder/#commentsWed, 03 Dec 2014 23:15:50 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=206454The folks over at Bleeding Cool just dropped an atom bomb of a rumor for the comic book industry. According to their sources, it seems a third installment of Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns series is on its way from DC Comics, and it will be co-written with Miller by the biggest name in Batman comics right now, Scott Snyder. The combination of arguably the most seminal writer of Batman’s past and the biggest Batman writer of the present has got to have everyone at DC seeing dollar signs in their eyes right about now, and fans everywhere giddy with anticipation.

According to Bleeding Cool, “the story would concern Carrie Kelley, the Robin of Dark Knight, now in her elder years. She is now in a similar position to that of Bruce Wayne in the original Dark Knight, and she is seeking her own successor to protect Gotham.” Since Miller is too ill to handle the art chores himself, DC is very keen on having a rotating cast of artists illustrate each chapter, with the obvious names being bandied about like Greg Capullo, Jim Lee, Andy Kubert and Marc Silvestri (who is already rumored for another Batman book.)

Of course, this wouldn’t be the first sequel to The Dark Knight Returns from Frank Miller. Back in 2001, he produced the three issue The Dark Knight Strikes Again, which, while financially successful, was considered a failure by both fans and critics alike. I think of it as The Phantom Menace of comics — following up a beloved and revered property some sixteen years after the fact, with mountains of hype to go with it, only to end up being kind of a hot mess that really didn’t please fans, new and old alike.

So what’s the difference now? Scott Snyder is the difference. He’s at the top of his game right now, and following up a four-year run on the main Batman title with Dark Knight 3 with Frank Miller’s blessing and involvement would be the ultimate feather in his cap. Add to that, all the different artists mentioned would make sales go through the roof. 2016 is the thirtieth anniversary of the original Dark Knight Returns, and also sees the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice which is said to be heavily Dark Knight influenced, so if it’s true, the timing for this couldn’t be more perfect.

]]>http://nerdist.com/rumor-is-dark-knight-3-coming-from-frank-miller-scott-snyder/feed/3Comics Relief: CM Punk Writes THOR, Dark Horse Presents Hits 200, and NINJA TURTLES Get a Spin-Off Bookhttp://nerdist.com/comics-relief-cm-punk-writes-thor-dark-horse-presents-hits-200-and-ninja-turtles-get-a-spin-off-book/
http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-cm-punk-writes-thor-dark-horse-presents-hits-200-and-ninja-turtles-get-a-spin-off-book/#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 02:30:25 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=200357Welcome to another edition of Comics Relief! In today’s news, we’ve got details on the return(s) of old DC Comics favorites, our pal CM Punk tries his hand at the whole comics thing, and the Ninja Turtles universe at IDW starts expanding. But first, Marvel does something rather cool for one of their founding fathers…

Marvel Salutes Jack Kirby For Veteran’s Day

In Honor of Veteran’s Day this year, Marvel Comics went ahead and did something very thoughtful (and something also showing that they are now pretty cozy with the Kirby estate after a long period of litigation). They posted a pic of Jack Kirby, legendary co-creator of Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and so many more, in his army uniform from his World War II days, revealing several wartime anecdotes passed down to his son, Neal Kirby, about his time in the trenches. To the late King Kirby, we honor you for your service. [Marvel]

If you’re familiar with pro wrestling at all, then chances are you are already aware of our favorite mega-fan CM Punk. Although he’s made his comic book fandom known for years, Marvel is giving him the opportunity to write for them with this February’s Thor Annual #1, which will have art by Chew‘s Rob Guillory, also making his Marvel Comics debut. Their story will be set in the time of Thor’s youth, in the days when he wasn’t worthy of wielding Mjolnir in Odin’s eyes, and spent most of his time complaining about it like a little brat. While we can’t know exactly what to expect from CM Punk’s first issue, we know that he’s “not a Grant Morrison guy” and that he loves Ed Brubaker, so that should be pretty telling on who he’ll be trying to emulate. Congrats, CM Punk! [Comics Alliance]

Check out some of CM Punks other skill sets in these videos from Nerdist.com:

DC Reveals First Details on Convergence Tie-In Books, and They’re Pretty Heavy on the Fan-Service

This week DC Comics revealed the solicitations for the first ten tie-in series to their two month event series Convergence, and for longtime DC fans, especially those that have been fans since before the New 52 began, these descriptions read a lot like exactly what we’ve been asking for. Just in these first ten tie-ins alone, we’ve got Superman and Lois Lane married and expecting their first child, Wally West as the Flash (also married), Renee Montoya as the Question (written by Greg Rucka), Stephanie Brown as Batgirl, Donna Troy in her first appearance in three years, and Barbara Gordon as Oracle again, written by Gail Simone and getting preparing to get married to Nightwing. (That noise was the sound of fanboys and fangirls sqee-ing everywhere, by the way.) Could Convergence be the last hurrah of the classic DC Universe, or is this just the beginning? We’ll know by June 2015, but it would be really mean of DC to give longtime fans exactly what they wanted after so long, just to yank it all away again.[Comic Book Resources]

Dark Horse Presents Hits 200 Issues With a Spectacular Line-Up

Dark Horse unveiled just what the content will be for the landmark 200th issue of their long-running anthology series Dark Horse Presents, set to hit in February. It will be a huge 80 page issue featuring work from some of their most famous writers and artists, not to mention being first US appearance of the series Masks by the author of Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn,r and Watchmen’s Dave Gibbons. Also part of the line-up are Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragones (Groo), Alex de Campi and Jerry Ordway (Semiautomagic), Fred Van Lente and Miguel Sepulveda (Project Black Sky), Brendan McCarthy (Dream Gang), and Damon Gentry and Aaron Conley (Sabertooth Swordsman). [Bleeding Cool]

IDW Spins Off Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Mutanimals Into A Limited Series

A new team of mutated animals are joining TMNT over at IDW. Fan favorite characters the Mutanimals will be headlining their own mini-series this February. According to the official synopsis, “When someone close to the Mutanimals goes missing, the team consisting of Old Hob, Slash, Mondo Gecko, Herman the Hermit Crab, and Pigeon Pete will be put to the ultimate test. Teamwork doesn’t exactly come easy to these outsiders, but they’ll have to find a way to work together to take on a mysterious new entity known as The Null Group.” After having written several TMNT Micro-Series one-shots, writer Paul Allor will write this series as well. Also coming back to the Tutles’ world is artist Andy Kuhn, who created the new IDW design for Mutanimals leader Slash and will handle covers and interiors. [Newsarama]

BOOM! Studios Explores Immortality and Cloning with Eternal This December

Eternal is the new series written by William Harms and illustrated by Giovanni Valletta, coming from Boom! Studios this December. Eternal takes the notion of cloning and human immortality to a whole new level. According to the official description: “In a world of clones, the Human Liberation Army wants to free people from New Life’s grasp. Their leader Gail will take the most drastic, personal measures yet to do so. Rathmann, a former homicide detective turned New Life enforcer, is on the case, and is asking tough questions. Violet, a young girl and one of the few non-cloned humans—or Pures—left, is longing to enter the real world. But she has no idea the danger she is stepping into.” Eternal #1 hits comic book shops on December 10th. [Bleeding Cool]

LEGO Inspired By Comic Books Are Maybe The Coolest Thing Ever

Designercon took place in Los Angeles over the past weekend, and one part of the convention were these famous comic book covers re-created in LEGO bricks. Included in the event were covers like Detective Comics #27, the first ever appearance of Batman, and modern issues like The Amazing Spider-Man #700, Akira, and Invincible #63. Best one however has to be the cover to an ’80s issue of Ewoks. How random is that? [Comic Book.com]

The Joker’s New Face….Looks A Lot Like The Old One

Technically, this is a SPOILER, I guess…but DC has revealed the cover to Batman #36, which reveals the Joker’s new face. (For those of you not keeping up, he cut off his old face back at the start of the New 52, then started wearing a the old one as a gruesome mask in Death of the Family.) From the looks of things… Joker looks, well… pretty much like Joker. Below is the full cover. [Comic Book Resources]

So which of these comics stories are you psyched about the most? Let us know in the comments below.

]]>http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-cm-punk-writes-thor-dark-horse-presents-hits-200-and-ninja-turtles-get-a-spin-off-book/feed/3Comics Relief: Greg Capullo Leaving BATMAN? A THOR Preview? Black Canary and the Ninjas? [Update]http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-greg-capullo-leaving-batman-a-thor-preview-black-canary-and-the-ninjas/
http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-greg-capullo-leaving-batman-a-thor-preview-black-canary-and-the-ninjas/#commentsSat, 06 Sep 2014 01:30:56 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=180617[Update: Capullo ain’t going anywhere – In a tweet from last night, Batman artist Greg Capullo confirmed that he would be on the book for the forseeable future. The story has been amended to reflect this.]

Welcome to the latest installment of Comics Relief – and thanks for spending a little time with us before you dart out and enjoy the weekend.

We’ve got a couple of previews on deck this week, including the first issue of the all-new Thor as well as the Futures End issue of Birds of Prey (and if you’re feeling a little worn out on capes, there’s always Rolling Blackouts). What’s up with Greg Capullo and the impending end of his DC contract? And what Spider-Man comics just went on sale at a deep, deep discount?

Inquiring minds, etc.

Black Canary Leads the Red League of Assassin’s in DC’s Birds of Prey: Futures End #1 Preview

If you’ve ever want to see Dinah Lance lead her own gang own deadly ninjas, then the Birds of Prey issue of DC’s latest event series might have you sorted. Newsarama takes a peek at the book which is set three years after the events of Futures End (which is weird, because most are set five years after).

This excerpt from the graphic novel from Sarah Glidden introduces us to Sam Malkandi, an Iraqi Kurdish refugee, expelled from the U.S. after being granted asylum after being suspected of assisting and Al Qaeda operative.

That’s artist and Eisner winner Chip Zdarsky to you. The Internet funny guy and comic book art guy chats with Jay Runham about his career and heading to Edmonton to share the glory of his work with the world.

See the New Thor in Action (Well, Not Really) in Marvel’s Thor #1 Preview

The new Thor makes her debut in the October 1 issue of Thor #1, and while the publisher’s been teasing the hell out of the new character wielding the mighty hammer Mjolnir, they’re still playing coy with what, exactly, her deal is in this text-free preview of the issue. Gotta love that Russell Dauterman art, though.

Dorkly takes a look at some demanding customers that only occur in games in their latest strip.

Could you imagine walking into a barbershop and demanding someone grow your muttonchops out for you? First off, why are you growing muttonchops, secondly, what’s going on in your life that you can’t wait for the natural processes of hair growth to occur?

In a previous version of this story, we reported that Greg Capullo’s contract would be up after 16 more issues of his bestselling run on Batman – well, it seems like he’s not going anywhere.

While Bleeding Cool reported that Capullo was thinking of jumping ship when his contract expired, it appears he’s doubling down his commitment to Batman writer Scott Snyder instead, bringing on Snyder to help him reboot and relaunch Capullo’s creator-owned character, The Creech.

Capullo puts it in no uncertain terms:

Here's a headline you can trust. Greg Capullo not leaving Batman any time soon

What do you think of this week’s top comics stories? Let us know in the comments below!

]]>http://nerdist.com/comics-relief-greg-capullo-leaving-batman-a-thor-preview-black-canary-and-the-ninjas/feed/1Celebrate 75 Years of Batman with DC Comics at San Diego Comic-Conhttp://nerdist.com/celebrate-75-years-of-batman-with-dc-comics-at-san-diego-comic-con/
http://nerdist.com/celebrate-75-years-of-batman-with-dc-comics-at-san-diego-comic-con/#commentsThu, 10 Jul 2014 19:45:41 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=166134As if Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel laser tag and Square Enix’s limited edition Batman statue weren’t enough of a reason to mosey on down to San Diego Comic-Con, DC Comics has unveiled their line-up of panels and it’s clear that they’ve got one thing on their mind: Batman. Considering it’s Batman’s 75th anniversary, it’s entirely understandable and judging by their massive slate of Comic-Con plans, there’ll be plenty of reasons for fans of the Dark Knight to fill their days with DC. To kick off the Batman 75 festivities, DC is bringing a pair of panels that will bring some of the best and brightest creative talent from Batman’s storied history to talk about Bruce Wayne’s greatest adventures and how the character has evolved over the years.

In addition, Warner Bros. is making sure that you have plenty of ways to spend your hard-earned cash and clog your Instagram feeds at this year’s Comic-Con. Not only are they finally bringing Batman: The Complete Television Series to home video in all of its 1960s Adam West-y biff-pow glory, but they’re also bringing every Batman costume ever, premiering both the hotly anticipated Jim Gordon-starring cop drama Gotham and animated video game tie-in film Batman: Assault on Arkham, a slew of new Batman: Arkham Knight collectible goods (like a Harley Quinn con exclusive statue), and much more.

What piece of Batman goodness are you most excited for at this year’s Comic-Con? What’s your favorite Batman story? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to our Comic-Con page for up-to-the-minute updates.

]]>http://nerdist.com/celebrate-75-years-of-batman-with-dc-comics-at-san-diego-comic-con/feed/2Comic Book Day: Pull List for March 12, 2014http://nerdist.com/comic-book-day-pull-list-for-march-12-2014/
http://nerdist.com/comic-book-day-pull-list-for-march-12-2014/#commentsWed, 12 Mar 2014 07:01:37 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=121894Were you thinking to yourself, “Man alive! I have so much expendable income, but nowhere to spend it. Whatever will I do?” Well, even if you weren’t, you’re in the right place, because we’ve got a heaping helping of brand new comic books on this week’s pull list, including an outsized Bat-stravaganza, a super-powered WWII mini-series, and the return of the baddest mama in the Marvel Universe. It’s not Christmas in March; it’s Comic Book Day, and this is the Pull List.

Top Picks

Batman #29 | DC Comics | Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

Since Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo burst on to the scene with their now seminal “Court of Owls” arc, their run on Batman has been nigh unassailable, and their work on “Zero Year” is no exception. We’ve seen young, untested Batman before, but there’s a strangely compelling quality to Snyder’s portrayal of the Dark Knight during his formative years. The “Dark City” chapter of Batman’s past places him in a rare position indeed, one in which he’s been outsmarted by Edward Nygma. Expertly capturing the frenetic chaos and elemental madness of an incoming superstorm, Capullo’s artwork lends a foreboding quality to the whole outsized issue, which gives every moment, every decision that Batman makes, every punch thrown an underlying sense of tension and high stakes that make the book a gripping experience from start to finish. I could wax on about this book all day, but truth be told, you’d be better served by just picking up a copy for yourself and seeing what all the hype is about.

Between She-Hulk, Black Widow, and this week’s Captain Marvel #1, Marvel is hitting some pretty major home runs when it comes to well-written, beautifully drawn, and genuinely engaging books starring strong female leads. While this has been the subject of countless think pieces – which, in and of itself, may be indicative of a larger problem – the fact of the matter is that, regardless of the protagonist’s gender, these are just solid comics, period. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what a wonderfully plotted issue #1 this is. By giving us a taste of the intergalactic adventures ahead and a flashback sequence that perfectly maps out how Carol Danvers found herself running from secret police in an otherworldly bazaar, Kelly Sue DeConnick has masterfully told us all that we need to know and made sure that we’re on board for everything to come.

Carol Danvers is, by all accounts, a strong woman. Quite literally, she has super strength, but she also displays a resilience of character and a capacity for compassion that show she’s more human than her tough-as-nails exterior might suggest. Despite her incredible abilities and experience saving the world, she’s restless. You know how sometimes you’re hungry for something, but you can’t just nail down what exactly that is? It’s a maddening craving, and that’s what Carol Danvers has. Outward appearances would suggest that everything’s fine — she’s a superhero, she lives in the Statue of Liberty (!), and she has a healthy romantic relationship with a co-worker. Yet, that craving, that feeling of insatiable emptiness gnaws away at her from the inside out, giving the book a poignant, wistful quality that contrasts nicely with DeConnick’s snappy dialogue.

Equally praise-worthy is David Lopez’s artwork, which offers up a level of photorealism that avoids the Uncanny Valley, taking us on a high-flying thrill ride through alien vistas, soaring through the sky, and even to something as mundane as a birthday party, all the while managing to keep things cinematic and pleasing to the eye. This style of artwork, which manages to blend the realistic with the hyper-stylized comic book-y aesthetic, is really doing it for me right now, and makes Captain Marvel an even bigger joy to read than it already is. So, go on down to your local comic book store and pick this up post-haste — Captain’s orders.

Going into The Royals: Masters of War #2, I was more than a little nervous that the book wouldn’t live up to how inventive and exhilarating the first issue was. The Downton Abbey-meets-Saving Private Ryan mini-series, thankfully, does not disappoint in its second issue, as the action shifts from England to America following Prince Henry taking to the skies to put a stop to the German bombing raids over London. Greeted by adoring American crowds, the royals make their way to rendezvous with President Roosevelt, a brave but restrained man who is morally opposed to the war but unwilling to commit America’s full might to the war effort. Instead, Roosevelt offers up their version of the Royals, a paltry group of costumed covert agents that pale in comparison to the powers granted by royal blood. All in all, issue #2 manages to heighten the stakes while introducing dangerous new players to the global stage on which this superpowered slugfest version of World War II is playing out. Between the drunkenness, incestuous undertones, and bloodshed, Williams’ narrative is well-paced and carefully structured, doling out just enough “oh shit” moments and plot twists to keep you wanting just one more page, and Coleby’s art once again offers up a visual feast, dancing between quieter introspective moments and explosive tableaus of all-out war. I, for one, welcome our new Masters, and I think you will too.

]]>http://nerdist.com/comic-book-day-pull-list-for-march-12-2014/feed/3Exclusive: BATMAN #26 Previewhttp://nerdist.com/exclusive-batman-26-preview/
http://nerdist.com/exclusive-batman-26-preview/#commentsMon, 09 Dec 2013 21:00:31 +0000http://www.nerdist.com/?p=100885Year’s end is a time for reflection, and Scott Snyder’s latest Batman arc gives us a moment to stop and reflect on how Bruce Wayne went from playboy billionaire to bonafide crimefighter. “Zero Year” is proving to be awfully important for the DC Universe. The Riddler is running amok and Gotham’s in chaos, with Batman and Jim Gordon left to pick up the pieces. Can they learn to put their differences aside to save the day? Will Lucius Fox get eaten alive? Why is young Bruce getting arrested in a movie theater? All of these questions and more are answered below in our exclusive preview of Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, and Danny Miki’s Batman #26, courtesy of our friends at DC Comics:

Batman #26 is available from DC Comics this Wednesday, December 11. Are you picking it up? What do you think of Zero Year? Let us know in the comments below.

Better bring a friend to your local comic book shop this week because this pull list is going to weigh you down while lightening your wallet’s load. With a collection from the late Carmine Infantino (RIP), the Dark Knight grabbing his gun, and a vicious vigilante from Dark Horse, there’s a little something for everyone. It’s Comic Book Day, guys, so let’s get into it!

Top Picks

Batman #19 | Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

If you peruse DC Comics’ page for this issue, the tagline is simply, “Who would cause Bruce Wayne to use a gun?” Who indeed? Guns are so antithetical to everything the brooding billionaire stands for that we can’t imagine who could elicit such an uncharacteristic response. While the fallout from Damian’s death still settles, Snyder and Capullo are taking this opportunity to tell some real heartfelt stories while they gear up for Year Zero, the series’ next major story arc, which will tackle the daunting task of Batman’s origins in a fresh, exciting way. This issue, like the rest of Snyder’s run, is right on the money and a welcome addition to anyone’s pull list.

While we try to diversify the pull list a bit in terms of publishers, we felt it fitting that another edition of The Flash Chronicles should drop this week, as we bid farewell to the late, great Carmine Infantino, who passed away late last week. The legendary artist not only designed the now iconic red-and-yellow Flash costume, but he was a driving force in the Silver Age of comics as we know it. He will be sorely missed, but what better way to remember him than in these classic Flash stories? True fans of the Scarlet Speedster should leap on this opportunity to school themselves on how he got his running start in the 1960s.

X #0 | Duane Swierczynski and Eric Nguyen

Nothing like a little bit of the ol’ ultraviolence to get the blood flowing (both on and off the page), huh? Straight out of the pages of Dark Horse Presents, Duane Swierczynski and Eric Nguyen take on Arcadia’s grisliest gangbuster, X. Cutting a bloody swath through the city’s organized crime syndicates, X should satisfy fans of crimefighters who aren’t afraid to pull their punches. Eric Nguyen’s sharp visuals both bring the action to life and create an appropriately bleak mood, and considering Swierczynski’s track record on Punisher, we think these guys are definitely the men for X‘s bloody, bloody job.

Two Brians and a Scott top this week’s pull list with a beginning, an ending and a continuation of three excellent comic arcs. Sound vague enough for you? Well, why would I spoil the contents in the introduction? Enough yappin’ – it’s Comic Book Day, so let’s get to this week’s jam-packed pull list!

Top Picks

Star Wars #2 | Brian Wood and Carlos D’Anda

Opening with an over-the-shoulder shot of Boba Fett’s ship stalking the Millenium Falcon had me instantly on board, but Leia as a freakin’ spymaster? Yes, yes, and more yes. Following up an extremely successful first issue, Wood manages to do quite a bit of table setting while keeping a sense of momentum. Cutting back and forth between Han and Chewie avoiding Imperial patrols provides the sense of urgency for the planning and scheming back with the Rebel Fleet. It’s reminiscent of Battlestar Galactica episodes like “33” in which we see our haggard heroes constantly on the run. All in all, Wood and D’Anda continue to knock it out of the park and have my midi-chlorians a-flutter.

Uncanny X-Men #1 | Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo

What would the X-Men be without their flagship book? Marvel NOW unveils yet another #1 helmed by Brian Michael Bendis and with Chris Bachalo handling art duties. Centering on Cyclops, Magneto, Magik, and Emma Frost, Uncanny X-Men puts the mutant team back in the world’s crosshairs as they search to redefine just for what the team stands and look for more mutants to join their team. What will the future portend for the various X-franchises? Without Cerebro, it’s hard to tell, but this is certainly an exciting start for the franchise flagship.

Batman #17 | Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion

I’ll admit it – I was dubious that Snyder would be able to top himself after last year’s stellar “Court of the Owls” arc, but “Death of the Family” has kept me coming back for more unhinged, cut-off-your-own-face-and-wear-it-as-a-mask craziness. The Joker elevates the status of any Bat-book, but this arc has seen him at his most maniacal. While I won’t spoil anything, you can rest assured that when the Joker comes to town, it’s going to get messy and Snyder continues to not disappoint.

Explosions! Gratuitous acts of murder! Stilt-Man! This week’s pull list features some stellar crime thrillers and more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan film (think Sixth Sense, not The Village). With so many rad books vying for your attention and shelf space, what’s your mild-mannered comic book reader to do? Never fear, because we have some seriously rad picks that will make an awesome addition to anyone’s list. ‘Nuff said – let’s get to this week’s picks!

Top Picks

Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 | Francesco Francavilla

Francesco Francavilla is a man on a pulpy, pulpy mission. The writer-artist’s Dark Horse four-part mini-series, Black Beetle: No Way Out, kicks off this week with a bang – both literal and metaphorical, as his superheroic sleuth must solve the mystery of a mass murder that left the majority of Colt City’s organized crime leaders dead. The hard-boiled mystery hits the ground running and doesn’t pause to catch its breath, a momentum which serves the sometimes wordy noir-influenced dialogue well. The only time I did find myself pausing was to admire Francavilla’s stellar artwork and innovative page layouts, which keep the action flowing and are often as dazzling as the narrative twists and turns on which Francavilla takes us.

Daredevil #22 | Mark Waid, Chris Samnee and Paolo Rivera

When you stop and think about it, Stilt-Man is a pretty ridiculous concept for a villain. An armored baddie with telescopic legs that he uses to commit high-rise heists? Too often, he seems like a relic of a bygone era or a weirdo rogue who slipped through the cracks and made his way into comics. However, when you put him in the hands of a writer like Mark Waid in a book like Daredevil, even ol’ Stilt-Man becomes fair game. Waid pumps new life into the colossal cutpurse, a tall order for anyone. Also appearing in this issue is the Superior Spider-Man, who comes to Murdock’s aid to lend a little Dare-Help in defeating the bad guys. Seems like a weird call, huh? Well, when you win your body weight in Eisner and Harvey Awards, then you can use whomever you damn well please. Except for Blow-Hard. Please, Mark Waid, please – don’t use Blow-Hard.

Batman #16 | Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion

“Death of the Family” continues this week in three different Bat-books, each adding their own terrifying batch of ingredients to this murderous layer cake that Scott Snyder and company are baking. Between Batgirl‘s wedding from hell and the world’s worst trip to the zoo in Batman and Robin, one would think that it can’t get much more brutal. Oh, how wrong I was. This week’s Batman is unrelenting in all the right ways as the Dark Knight fights his way through Arkham Asylum to find the Joker and put an end to his sinister plans. It’s always a party when the two of them get together, though, and Snyder does not disappoint, delivering a delightfully devilish and uncomfortably thrilling installment. The only thing better than the pacing in this week’s issue might be the art which evoked visceral reactions on par with the first time I read Locke and Key. The joke is on you if you let this book pass you by.

With a new Man of Steel trailer, the impending release of The Hobbit, and 9 minutes of Star Trek footage to look forward to, it’s a pretty good week to be a nerd. And this week’s comic book bounty is the icing on this layer cake of awesome. So, chill out, Wednesday. We know there’s more to the workweek, but it’s Comic Book Day and we don’t care.

Top Picks

Avengers Arena#1 | Dennis Hopeless & Kev Walker and Frank Martin

I was beyond excited when Marvel announced this title back in September, so today sort of feels like Christmas Day came early. Did Santa deliver? Or was it a lump of coal? From the Dave Johnson cover paying tribute to Japanese cult classic/Hunger Games‘ cooler older brother Battle Royale to the action-packed sequences of teenage mutants fighting to the death in Arcade’s nightmarish amusement park-turned-thunderdome,Dennis Hopeless’ Avengers Arena hits the ground running and leaves a trail of bloody, bloody footprints. This is a thrilling introduction to the newest Marvel NOW! series (and a complete 180 from Avengers Academy), and I can’t wait to see what Katniss X-23 will do next.

Batman #15 | Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion

Scott Snyder doesn’t pull any punches in “Death of the Family,” the highly anticipated follow-up to this year’s excellent “Court of Owls,” but the real killer in these pages is Greg Capullo’s stunning artwork. The Joker’s sinister plot continues to edge closer and closer to the spotlight, but thankfully Snyder doesn’t spoon-feed it to us so we can play the role of World’s Second Greatest Detective. This book continues to be one of the highlights of DC’s New 52 lineup, and this darkly thrilling issue is no exception.

Did you get a chance to peruse our preview pages of Archaia’s sci-fi revival of Space: 1999? If so, then a simple “nuff said” should suffice here. If not, then read our Barbara Bain interview and know that this is an awesome alt-history universe in which JFK was never assassinated, humanity built a base on the moon, and shit hits the fan in a big way. It’s a taut space thriller from a time that never was, and it’s a book you won’t want to put down.

TGIWednesday, y’all! It’s Comic Book Day, so we’re back with your pull list for this week and our top picks so you prepare to send your hard-earned cash to the Phantom Zone of your local comic book store’s coffers. Excelsior!

Top Picks

Batman #14 | Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo

After an Usain Bolt-like sprint out of the narrative gates with the “Court of the Owls,” Scott Snyder’s Batman is the subject of intense scrutiny and anticipation by fans. How can they top what was easily one of the best opening runs of the whole New 52 line? Well, the “Death of the Family” arc is about to heat up as Snyder and co. bring back everyone’s favorite Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker. Why is the Joker back? Why does Alfred have his own screen? Did the Joker really change his mind, go legit and open up a garage? Only you have the power to buy this book and find out.

Locke & Key: Omega #1 | Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez

2012 marked the beginning of the end for many beloved franchises – Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, the Twilight Saga, Mormon and Sons (the Romney family’s Mumford and Sons cover band), to name a few – but none will be more sorely missed than Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez’s Locke & Key. With Omega, Hill takes us into the final arc of this truly excellent story that began in 2008 with “Welcome to Lovecraft.” For fans of the series, enjoy it while it lasts, because it doesn’t look like Hill is going to be pulling any punches.

One of the most exciting parts of the whole Marvel NOW! experiment has been giving these books which were starting to feel a bit crushed under the weight of their own histories a fresh start that they clearly needed. That being said, the announcement of All New X-Men elicited more than one raised eyebrow around the office. Why would the original five X-Men be plucked from the past and unduly thrust into present day, especially after the events of AvX? Indeed, that’s a question that lingers throughout this book, but it is a welcome change of pace to see Bendis able to flex his Chris Claremont muscles and tell stories in more of a classic vein. I’d need to be a Class V telepath to tell you where this book is going, but, for now, this is definitely a title to watch.